Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Annunciation of the Theotokos

Today the Orthodox Church
celebrates the Annunciation of the Theotokos. It is a symbol of the
glorification of the Virgin Mary, but also of mankind. Due to this event we
identify the glorification of God, of Mary, whereby the salvation of mankind is
able to take place. This is expressed in the following hymn from the matins of
the Annunciation:

‘Today is revealed the mystery
that is from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of man, that, sharing
in what is worse, He may make me share in what is better. In times of old, Adam
was once deceived: he sought to become God, but received not his desire. Now
God becomes man, that He may make Adam God. Let creation rejoice, let nature
exult: for the Archangel stands in fear before the Virgin and saying to her
“Hail,” he brings the joyful greeting whereby our sorrow is assuaged. O Thou
who in Thy merciful compassion wast made man, our God, glory to Thee.’[1]

‘Mary’s glorification is
basically the glorification of the merciful God who loves man, who loved his
creature so much that he emptied himself for his salvation. The incarnation is
the continuation of the good work of the creation, the good work Adam’s sin
turned away from its goal. The meaning of the incarnation is universal and
cosmic.’[2]

About Me

I have studied Theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Theology, International Relations at the University of London (Queen Mary). My Master's Thesis was published as a book: 'The Aegean Sea Dispute Between Greece and Turkey - The Consequences for NATO and the EU'. For more information see: http://www.akakia.net/el/the-aegean-sea-dispute-between-greece-and-turkey
I have also studied Byzantine Music in Athens and I am currently undertaking a research on the “Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius and its contribution towards Anglican – Orthodox Relations”, at the University of Winchester.
I also represent the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain at the A.E.C.A. If you wish to contact me you can email me: demetrifs1@yahoo.com